Lucy Liu is garnering critical acclaim for her role in the upcoming drama Rosemead, which highlights her acting range in a powerful narrative. The film will debut in select theaters, opening in New York on December 5 and in Los Angeles on December 12. A recent sneak peek reveals Liu’s compelling performance as Irene, a single mother facing dire personal and familial challenges.
In the exclusive excerpt shared by Collider, Liu’s character shares a meal with her son, Joe. The scene takes a tense turn when Joe insists he heard his mother calling for him from the school hallway, despite her being at work. Frustrated, he throws his chopsticks and storms off, leaving Irene to grapple with her son’s unsettling behavior. This moment stands in stark contrast to Liu’s previous roles in action-packed films such as Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill, showcasing her ability to portray vulnerability and emotional depth.
Exploring the Depths of ‘Rosemead’
In Rosemead, Liu plays Irene, a mother whose health is rapidly declining while she struggles to manage her son Joe’s descent into a world of delusions and hallucinations. With her own life hanging in the balance, Irene must prepare for a future where her son could pose risks to himself and others. The film poignantly addresses the challenges of navigating mental health issues within a tight-knit Chinese-American community, compelling Irene to consider desperate measures for her son’s well-being.
Directed by Eric Lin, this film marks his debut as a feature director after a successful career as a cinematographer. The script, penned by Marilyn Fu, is loosely inspired by real events that transpired in Rosemead, California, in 2015. Alongside Liu, the cast features notable actors such as Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, Madison Hu, and James Chen.
Beyond her acting role, Liu also serves as an executive producer, having dedicated seven years to develop this poignant story. The film premiered earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival, receiving enthusiastic reviews from critics and audiences alike.
As anticipation builds for its theatrical release, Rosemead promises to engage viewers with its heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, mental health, and the sacrifices a parent makes for their child. Audiences will have the opportunity to witness Liu’s remarkable performance and the film’s gripping narrative in theaters starting next week.
